Keep Your Supplements Safe by Avoiding Over Consumption

Although many of us hear of the dangers associated with overdosing on certain medications, few seem to heed the warnings when it comes to mega-dosing with vitamins and minerals. But vitamin supplement side effects do pose real harm. Too much of a good thing can indeed be too much, and the potential damages often far outweigh any alleged benefits of super doses.

The vitamins most commonly associated with toxicity are the fat soluble varieties. Unlike water soluble vitamins, excess amounts of vitamins A, D, E and K are stored within the liver and fatty tissues instead of being excreted. Since the body only needs small amounts of these vitamins, consuming large quantities can lead to toxicity. In fact, the danger of vitamin A and E toxicity is probably more likely today than the threat of deficiency for the majority of individuals.

Symptoms of over consumption of vitamins A, D and E may be mild or severe. Vitamin K toxicity is not reported or measured. Common vitamin supplement side effects related to over consumption include:

Vitamin A: Over consumption can result in upset stomach, mood swings, skin disorders, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Severe toxicity can retard growth, cause enlargement of the liver and spleen, result in hair loss and cause bone or skeletal pressure and pain.

Vitamin D: Mild over consumption may result in stomach upset, nausea, weight loss and moodiness. Toxicity at higher levels can cause mental and physical growth retardation, kidney damage, kidney stones and the transfer of calcium from bones to soft tissue.

Vitamin E: Severe toxicity can cause nausea as well as digestive disorders.

It is estimated that less than 10% of individuals who regularly consume vitamin supplements discuss their regimen with their doctor. Because vitamins are sold over the counter, many individuals assume they are perfectly safe. While generally speaking they are when used according to recommended dosages, there is the added danger of supplements interacting with other medications. Without the knowledge of your vitamin consumption on hand, neither a pharmacist nor your doctor can provide you with complete, accurate directions about taking certain medications.

Until the vitamin industry becomes more heavily regulated, it is up to individuals to make smart choices about the supplements they consume. Except in rare circumstances or in certain medical cases, a balanced diet will never cause vitamin toxicity. It can also provide nearly if not all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you feel the need to consume a multi-vitamin for added nutritional support, chances are it will be safe and perhaps even beneficial to do so. The same cannot be responsibly stated of consuming mega-doses of individual vitamins or minerals.